Chapter 7

The protagonist's moment of glory!

In the sky, the massive form of a black dragon appeared.

Roar!

Without any warning, it spewed flames.

"---What, a Dragon Breath attack out of nowhere!?"

"Trouble...!"

Mr. Bernard stepped in front of me.

"I'll try to create a defensive barrier! At least I'll protect you!"

"Mr. Bernard..."

"Magic Defense Wall!"

With the incantation, a thin green defensive field enveloped us.

The moment the breath touched it, intense sparks flew.

Just to withstand the dragon's breath, which would normally pierce through any ordinary defensive spell in an instant, was impressive enough.

But---the defensive field gradually thinned.

Even with the enhanced staff, it seemed he couldn't hold out against the dragon's breath for long.

"Damn, it's not holding...!"

Mr. Bernard was getting anxious.

I stepped forward.

"H-hey, what are you doing? Don't go outside the field! You'll die!"

"I'll be fine. Probably."

This time, it was my turn to protect Mr. Bernard.

Immediately after, the defensive field was blown away.

The dragon's breath rained down on us.

"Not a chance!"

I jumped up, exposing myself to the flames.

Crack!

Crack, crack, crack, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...

The breath touched my clothes, and the thin green light emitted from them pushed it back.

Yes, it was the power of the "+2733" enchantment on my "cloth clothes."

Eventually---

Crack!

The breath scattered around me and exploded.

"Phew..."

Both Mr. Bernard and I were unharmed.

"W-what, what, what...!?"

Mr. Bernard's mouth hung open in shock.

"Y-you, what did you just do?"

"I defended us. With my armor."

"Armor? That's just a regular set of clothes, right?"

"I'll go take care of it."

Saying that, I drew my copper sword.

If I got closer, it would attack with its claws, fangs, and tail.

It wouldn't affect me, but Mr. Bernard might get caught in the crossfire.

So,

"I'll finish it from this distance---"

I raised my sword.

The dragon watched me warily.

Silence fell.

"Shatter!"

With a shout, I swung my sword down.

The sword pressure struck with a thunderous boom and a cutting sound.

A single strike that could tear through space bisected the dragon's massive body---

Thud...

The severed dragon's corpse fell, causing a ground-shaking impact.

"You... you're incredible..."

Mr. Bernard was in shock, his legs giving out.

"Hahaha, I can only laugh."

"Y-yeah..."

I was blushing.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to protect you, the new guy, but... I ended up being a hindrance."

"No, that's not true. Having you with me made me feel stronger."

I smiled at Mr. Bernard.

"Being solo is really nerve-wracking."

"Indeed..."

As he said this, his face turned pale.

He was still on the ground, unable to stand.

"Thank you for coming with me."

I bowed to Mr. Bernard.

Suddenly, I understood.

Mr. Bernard was scared too.

He had endured his fear to accompany me, the reckless new guy who suddenly suggested dragon hunting.

Thank you, Mr. Bernard.

I said it again in my heart.

---And so, my first quest in "Blue Crystal" came to an end.

Next time, it's the Exile's side. Enjoy the slow burn... (´・ω・｀)